Over-the-Counter Topical Medications For Acne

 In the early stage of the ongoing war with acne, most people go to a pharmacy to buy an over-the-counter medication. There are so many treatments available for acne, that it can be a complicated decision. Advice from friends is not a reliable method for making a choice, because what worked for 1 person may not work for another. And advertising advice? Who trusts that?

You can make a more informed choice about which product to try just by knowing about the active ingredients in the various acne medications.

Benzoyl Peroxide

1 of the most popular ingredients in acne medications, benzoyl peroxide is available in gels and ointments. It kills the bacteria that causes pimples and helps remove dead skin cells that build up on the surface of the skin. These dead skin cells, when combined with sebum (oil), create blackheads and whiteheads. Dry skin is the only side effect, which can be minimized with less frequent application. It has a bleaching effect, so avoid hair and clothing when applying it.

Salicylic Acid

This is a popular acne ingredient which clears up dead skin cells that clog the pores. Continued use even after the skin has cleared up is necessary to avoid future acne outbreaks. Again, the side effect is dry, irritated skin.

Resorcinol

Resorcinol causes the top layer of skin to peel, which removes the dead skin cells that clog pores. It is often combined with sulphur.

Sulphur

Because of a strong, unpleasant odor, sulphur is usually combined with other ingredients. How it works is unknown, but it's been used effectively for decades. Sulphur is often combined with salicylate acid and benzoyl peroxide. Products

Of all these ingredients, benzoyl peroxide is probably the most versatile. It can be made into cleansing liquids, bars, gels, lotions and cream, all of which are applied directly to the skin. Cleansing products are usually used once or twice daily, with creams and lotions applied as needed. They are most effective when rubbed on the area surrounding the acne, as well as on the pimples themselves.

It's always a good idea to discuss acne with a doctor before self-treating with any of these medications. Even though acne is a fairly harmless condition, a doctor can often offer better suggestions and explain the best way to handle your condition based on your particular kind of acne.

About the Author

Visit Best Natural Acne Treatments to learn more. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer, see Website

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.

 Ron King

More Articles 

Dermatologist Lotion For Acne Prone Patients - Tim Gorman
You can find dermatologist lotion for acne prone patients at your doctor’s office. Your dermatologist will be able to suggest or prescribe the best dermatologist lotion for acne prone patients. If you have problems with acne you may want to ask...

5 facts about adult acne - John Mancini
When you mention acne most people instantly think of hormonal teenagers standing in front of the bathroom mirror refusing to go to school because of a pimple on the end of his or her nose. Acne isn't necessarily like that, though. It's true that...

Acne Skin Care - How To Clear Up Those Embarrasing Blemishes - Ken Black
People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Around 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most...

Acne And Skin Changes In Pregnancy - Sharon Hopkins
All thanks to hormones your complexion may act up to during pregnancy. If you have had clear skin all along, pimples, acne, etc seems like unwanted guests. On the other hand, acne, pimples, etc prior to your pregnancy, your skin might...

Acne and water retention - Robert Kokoska
Water retention is when there is a buildup of water in the tissues and spaces between cells. Water retention results from excess pressure on the blood vessels. Water then begins to leak into the surrounding tissue. There are...

What You Should Know About Acne - Amber Lowery
What You Should Know About Acne There are many different types of acne and with that come many theories, myths, and treatments. The exact cause of acne remains a mystery. Why some pores are affected by acne and others aren’t, is not known. ...

What is acne? Is it different from pimples? - Paul
Acne is a skin problem wherein the sebaceous glands get over activated and secretes oily substances. Our face has the maximum number of "sebaceous" glands in our body. That's why pimples are more in a person's face than in any other part of the...

Acne Skin Care For You - Kirsten Hawkins
A high percentage of individuals have been tormented by skin problems like blemishes, rashes, pimples, blackheads and acne. These problems are commonly experienced during puberty or an early stage in life where people tend to be most socially...

Adult Acne: It's a Lot More Common Than You Think - Patricia Tyler
While it is true that acne most commonly appears during the teenage years, it is just as true that a large percentage of individuals suffer from adult acne. In fact, figures show that as much as 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women in...

How To Alleviate Your Acne Problem - Charlene J Nuble
Acne brings huge problems to teenagers. Teenagers who have acne feel isolated, ugly, and insecure. Who wouldn't when everywhere you look, only clear skinned people are put on the pedestal. You tried every acne product out in the market but...